Colchester

Weekly bike maintenance sessions have up and running throughout November in Colchester and they are proving extremely popular. CTC's Cycling Development Officer Richard Monk explains why he set up the project how it will expand.

Master mechanic Ben Paton covers the basics of good maintenance, punctures, brakes and answers any questions too. Ben Paton manages to explain all those complicated things that I've always wondered about, like why do inner tubes have different types of valves.

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Essex Police called unexpectedly on me this week. Thinking that they must have taken a dislike to my rather shall we say assertive style of cycling to all my meetings and activities, I awaited in trepidation for the expected words of advice.

Thankfully, Sergeant Ian Banks was proactively looking for CTC to complement an Essex Police Road Safety Day of Action on 29th November.

So, CTC and Essex Police will be at Colchester Railway Station, extolling the virtues of being seen and keeping the bike in trim over the winter months.

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CTC has already helped 3,000 people get cycling in North Essex - and now we're planning for more in 2013...

Three thousand people in North Essex have already re-discovered the pleasure of cycling, thanks to CTC, and now we want to get even more people cycling because we understand the benefits to health and the sheer sense of freedom that cycling brings.

We help people get back on a bike often for the first time in years or even for the first time ever. And then we help them go further. We make it relaxed and gentle, fun and sociable. So not only are you feeling healthier, you’re seeing new places and meeting new friends.

CTC Cycle Champions is unashamedly enthusiastic about getting people back on a bike, often after years and sometimes for the first time ever. Many go on to make cycling a regular part of their daily lives and the benefits are huge. Lee and Emily's story is a great example.

Lee and Emily joined CTC’s Cycle Champions rides after hearing about them from the ACE Health Trainer at Colchester Garrison.

With two young children, lots of family pressures and a tight budget, they were looking for a cheap solution to become fitter that fitted in with their busy lives.

The Cycle Champions rides offered the use of children’s trailers – a perfect solution for Lee and Emily and countless other army and civilian families.

CTC’s recent cycle ride in High Woods Country Park has appeared on the front page of the widely-read Elite community magazine in Colchester.

Circulated to over 10,000 residents, the photo showed a large group of people enjoying a led cycle ride in the tranquil autumn setting of High Woods Country Park. The event was part of the Park’s Big 25 Birthday Bash and attracted over three thousand visitors.

The park lends itself to easy cycling for residents and we got a joyful response from the people who took part, many of whom hadn’t been on a bike for years. The vast majority are planning on coming on more cycle rides with CTC.

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Do you want to know how to fix a puncture and make minor adjustments to your bike? Doing it yourself can save you both time and money and needn't be difficult. Learn how in a friendly session with other novices.

The sessions will run every Wednesday evening from 7pm to 9pm at Greenstead Community Centre on Hawthorn Avenue in Colchester on these dates:

7 November14 November21 November28 November - NB this session is for women only.

Coordinator Richard Monk said:

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